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Saving the planet... one garment at a time!

... and one upcycle at a time... Welcome to my blog: A place to have an "over the fence conversation" about sewing, altered couture, upcycling, and all kinds of crafts using found objects, beads, ephemera and other vintage finds!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Puzzle Me This

Since acquiring my two wonderful vintage Singer sewing machines, I've been on a quest for accessories. While trolling eBay, I came across a listing for two Singer puzzle boxes.

A Singer puzzle box is a neatly crafted box of feet and other accessories produced by the Singer Manufacturing Company during the 19th and 20th centuries. The box was invented in 1888 by John M. Griest, a Singer employee who was awarded US patent 397980 on February 19, 1889 for the design.

The accessories stash into a fold out rectangular wooden box which is lined in velvet or felt (if the lining is still intact). An alternate name for these is a "style box". The boxes include attachments for hemming, braiding, underbraiding, tucking, shirring, binding, quilting and ruffling, along with screwdrivers and spare needles. Mine are not in the most pristine condition, but I will continue to look for more of these fascinating treasures!

About Me

Hi! I've been sewing for approximately 40 years, having learned in a junior high home ec class. Since then, I've made many, many dresses and costumes, including many award winning dance costumes and tutus for my daughter, one of which was a restyle of my mother's wedding gown.

I'm a mixed media artist with strong interests in wearable art, altered couture, vintage clothing, vintage reproduction, beadwork, paper arts, and found object art. Upcycling is a great way to create while re-using stuff that might otherwise go to the landfill!